Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Didier Reynders is concerned about the recent decisions of the Israeli authorities to expand settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. As highlighted by the spokesperson of EU High Representative, these decisions raise questions about the commitment of the Israeli government to negotiate a peace agreement with the Palestinians based on the two-state solution. These decisions risk jeopardising further the chances of actually implementing such a peace agreement.

With the support of the Belgian Development Cooperation the Women's Union of Ninh Thuan (a coastal province in Central/South Vietnam) concentrates on sanitary facilities. Thanks to micro-credits and the creation of a ‘health fund’, the lives of many families have improved. More than one thousand families appealed to fifteen teams that had studied their needs, supplied them with the necessary information and provided funds to build toilets.

An investment by BIO, the Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries in a Congolese credit bank and an expanded store for an entrepreneurial woman from Kinshasa have more in common than you might think.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Didier Reynders condemns the suicide attack that hit the Turkish town of Suruç and has taken the lives of many people and injured many others. He expresses his condolences to the families and friends of the victims and his solidarity with the Turkish authorities and people. Belgium stands with Turkey in this tragic event, which shows the importance of our cooperation in the fight against extremism and terrorism.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Didier Reynders deeply regrets the organisation of presidential elections in Burundi, today 21 July. These elections do not meet the minimal requirements of inclusiveness and transparency. They are not credible and will not contribute to a solution for the crisis in the country.